Meet The Team at Woonona Dental
Dr Raj Pather
Born in South Africa, Dr Pather moved to Australia in 1978. He attended the University of Sydney, graduating with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery in 1985. Immediately, he began working in Illawara and then Dapto. He’s served our community area for over 30 years, and his father, too, was a well-known medical practitioner in Illawarra.
Dr Pather has numerous professional associations. He has completed aid work through Equal Health in Calcutta and other parts of India and became a Fellow of the International Academy of Dentists in 2006. He’s a member of the Australia Dental Association and was Secretary of the South Coast Division from 1990-1992, then President from 1992 to 1994. Additionally, he is a member of the Australian Society of Dental Implants and the International Team of Implantology.
He has a keen interest in cosmetic dentistry and implant surgery. Married with two children, Dr Pather enjoys travelling to different parts of the world with his family and motor racing.
Dr Amit Balgi
Born and brought up in Wollongong, Amit completed school and an undergraduate degree at the University of Wollongong before moving to Orange to pursue Dentistry, where he obtained his Bachelor of Dental Science from Charles Sturt University. After graduating in 2016, he continued to work for the University in Private Practice, but also in an academic role, lecturing and tutoring Year 3 and 4 students.
He has developed a strong interest in Endodontics and Aesthetic Dentistry. He enjoys treating anxious patients and those that feel uncomfortable about visiting the Dentist.
Amit continues to develop and improve his professional skills by attending courses when he can.
Dr Darian Karunaikumar
Darian is a Perth born, Sydney bred dentist with an undergraduate medical science followed by Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from the University of Sydney. His early time in clinical practice was spent in the heart of Sydney’s CBD, and he’s now swapped the hustle and bustle for a sea change, calling the Illawarra region his new home.
His main areas of interest lie in oral surgery and prosthodontics. He strives to provide comfortable treatment for his patients and to produce high quality restorations. He regular attends further education to improve his skills.
Darian loves to travel and volunteer. He’s served in dental missions on several occasions to underprivileged communities in Guatemala, Honduras and twice in rural Cambodia, and can’t wait for the next opportunity.
Dr Kishain Pather
Dr Kishain was born in Wollongong and completed high school in Sydney at Newington College. He moved to Orange to obtain his Bachelor of Dental Science from Charles Sturt University.
Dr Kishain has a keen interest in orthodontics and he is currently pursuing further education in this field to develop his skills.
Outside of dentistry, he enjoys basketball, motor racing and trying new restaurants.
Kristin Gault
Oral Health Therapist
Kristin, our dedicated Oral Health Therapist is an integral member of the Woonona Dental team. Kristin graduated from the University of Sydney in 2012 with a Bachelor of Oral Health and has spent the last 7 years practising both dental hygiene and therapy. Kristin works collaboratively with Dr Pather and the Woonona Dental team to provide the best quality dental care and treatment to patients of all ages.
Kristin is the person you see every 6 months for your maintenance and cleaning appointments, always with a thorough but gentle approach. She is also highly skilled in more specialised care including management of gum disease as well as taking care of the dental needs of the children that visit our practice. Kristin is always ready to share her knowledge with you to ensure you are well informed about your dental health and how best to manage it. She places a high focus on prevention of oral disease and is passionate about creating individualised maintenance, homecare and introducing new oral care products to help every patient achieve optimal oral health.
In her free time, Kristin enjoys playing netball, looking after her dog and going camping on the South Coast.
Marwa Khojah
Oral Health Therapist
In her role at the practice, Marwa is passionate about being able to help people improve an aspect of their health and be a part of the positive change. She earned a Bachelor of Oral Health (with adult scope of practice) from the University of Sydney in 2017.
She stays abreast of the latest in the field by taking professional development courses in adult scope of practice, as well as general continuing education courses.
For Marwa, the most rewarding aspect of her job is seeing patients enjoy returning to the dentist and witnessing their oral hygiene and dental health improve over time.
When she’s not working, Marwa enjoys playing badminton, exploring new brunch places, and spending time with family and friends.
